In Situ Coating Graphdiyne for High-Energy-Density and Stable Organic Cathodes

Adv Mater. 2020 Apr;32(14):e2000140. doi: 10.1002/adma.202000140. Epub 2020 Feb 20.

Abstract

The preparation of organic small-molecule cathodes is simple and low-cost; however, their low conductivity and molecular dissolution are two key issues that mean their energy density and power performance are far lower than those of inorganic batteries, thus hindering their practical application. To develop an effective coating technology is the key to obtain high-performance organic batteries. A general method of in situ weaving all-carbon graphdiyne nanocoatings is demonstrated. The graphdiyne can be conformally weaved on organic particles under mild conditions so that the conductivity is increased and the dissolution is suppressed. After weaving graphdiyne nanocoat, the active mass of the small-molecule organic cathodes rise to 93%, thus delivering a higher energy density of 310 W h kg-1 than previously reported, and the power performance and long-term stability are greatly improved. Additionally, this method shows great potential to become the crucial technology for fabricating organic batteries with energy density close to prevailing lithium-ion batteries.

Keywords: graphdiyne; lithium-ion batteries; organic cathodes; sodium-ion batteries.